Name: Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely minced or grated (or use paste); 2-3 cloves garlic, finely minced or crushed; 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¾-inch chunks (about 2-3 breasts); 4 tablespoons tomato paste (or 8 oz can of tomato sauce); 1 tablespoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon chili powder (or paprika, adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon Fenugreek (I use powder, but seeds or mustard seeds can be used too, optional); 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup heavy cream (sub for half & half or yogurt for low fat); Hot cooked rice and naan (for serving)

Introduction to Easy Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is a beloved dish among home cooks for good reason. This creamy, rich curry hails from India, offering a delightful combination of spices and textures that elevates any dinner table. Many find comfort in its luscious sauce and tender chicken, making it a go-to for family dinners and casual gatherings alike. The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility—it's just as delicious served with steamed rice as it is paired with fluffy naan, allowing for a customizable experience.

What makes this recipe particularly appealing for busy weeknights is the ease and speed of preparation. With the Quick 20-Minute Butter Chicken, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in no time. While traditional recipes can require lengthy marinations and multiple cooking stages, this streamlined version allows you to savor a well-balanced, comforting dish without the fuss. Plus, using a single skillet not only simplifies the cooking process but also cuts down on cleanup time.

For those looking to dive deeper into the world of Indian cuisine, check out resources like The Spice House for high-quality spices that can elevate your butter chicken experience. And if you're unsure about cooking chicken, a quick visit to USDA's Poultry Guidelines can provide you with helpful tips and food safety best practices. With this easy butter chicken recipe, you'll impress everyone at the dinner table in no time!

Ingredients for Easy Butter Chicken

Cooking easy butter chicken has never been simpler, and the ingredients are straightforward and accessible. Here’s what you'll need for a deliciously creamy dish that serves four:

1 tablespoon oil: For sautéing and developing flavor.
1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
1 medium onion, diced: The foundation of savory goodness.
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely minced or grated: A fragrant punch of flavor.
2-3 cloves garlic, finely minced or crushed: Essential for that aromatic base.
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¾-inch chunks: Chicken is the star; make sure it’s fresh for the best texture.
4 tablespoons tomato paste or an 8 oz can of tomato sauce: For that iconic color and taste.
1 tablespoon garam masala: This spice blend adds a warm, complex flavor profile.
1 teaspoon chili powder or paprika: Adjust according to how much heat you desire.
1 teaspoon fenugreek (optional): Adds a unique sweetness; powdered is easiest.
1 teaspoon cumin: Earthy and aromatic.
1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance overall flavor.
1 cup heavy cream: The creamy finish; Greek yogurt can substitute for a lighter version.
Serve with hot cooked rice or warm naan for the ultimate comfort meal.

With just these ingredients, you’re only steps away from enjoying a delightful Indian classic! Need more tips or substitutions? Check out Food Substitutions for plenty of ideas.

Preparing Easy Butter Chicken

Creating a deliciously rich and creamy butter chicken doesn’t have to be a labor-intensive endeavor. With this simple guide, you’ll be able to whip up a delightful dish in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!

Step 1: Gather your ingredients

Before you dive into cooking, it's essential to gather all your ingredients. You’ll need:

1 tablespoon oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium onion, diced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely minced
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¾-inch chunks
4 tablespoons tomato paste (or an 8 oz can of tomato sauce)
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon chili powder (or paprika, to taste)
1 teaspoon fenugreek (optional)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup heavy cream

It’s also helpful to have hot cooked rice or naan ready for serving! Not sure where to find some of the spices? Check out Spice Jungle for quality seasoning.

Step 2: Sauté the aromatics

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and butter, allowing them to warm up before tossing in the diced onion. Cook the onions for about 3-4 minutes until they turn lightly golden. The aroma from the sautéing onions alone will have you drooling! Add in the minced ginger and garlic, cooking them for about 30 seconds – just enough for their flavors to develop but not burn.

Step 3: Cook the chicken

Once your aromatics are fragrant, it’s time to add the chicken. Toss in the chicken chunks along with the tomato paste and your spices—the garam masala, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through. You might want to read more about the health benefits of spices in this article by Healthline.

Step 4: Add the sauce

After your chicken is cooked, it’s time for the star of the show—cream! Pour in your heavy cream, stirring gently to combine everything thoroughly and create that signature buttery sauce.

Step 5: Simmer and serve

Let your easy butter chicken simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a dish that will have everyone begging for seconds. Once ready, serve over hot basmati rice or with a side of warm naan for an unparalleled meal experience. Your friends and family will surely be impressed by your cooking prowess!

Enjoy your scrumptious butter chicken, and don’t forget to share your culinary triumphs—and any tweaks you made to the recipe!

Variations on Easy Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken with Vegetables

If you're looking to pack in some extra nutrition, try adding vegetables to your easy butter chicken. Bell peppers, peas, or spinach can enhance the dish’s flavor and color while boosting its health benefits. Simply toss them in with the chicken when you add the spices. This not only adds delightful crunch but also makes for a heartier meal that your family will love.

Spicy Butter Chicken

For those who crave a kick, a spicy twist on your easy butter chicken is the way to go. Increase the chili powder or add fresh chopped green chilies to heat things up. You can also experiment with a pinch of cayenne pepper for that extra warmth. This combination will delight spicy food enthusiasts and keep your taste buds buzzing!

Feel free to explore these variations to keep your meals exciting and flavorful!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Easy Butter Chicken

Making this easy butter chicken recipe is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips:

Prep Ahead: Dice your onion and chicken in advance to shorten cooking time. You can even prepare your spices ahead of time for a seamless cooking experience.
Customize Flavors: Adjust the spices to your liking! If you prefer more heat, feel free to increase the chili powder. Adding more cream or yogurt will give you a richer sauce, while a squeeze of lemon can brighten it up.
Use Leftovers Smartly: This dish tastes even better the next day. Make extra and enjoy it for lunch!

For a deeper dive into Indian cooking techniques, consider checking out this Masala Science article that explores regional flavors! Enjoy your cooking!

Serving Suggestions for Easy Butter Chicken

When it comes to enjoying your easy butter chicken, consider a few delightful pairings that elevate the entire meal! Here are some serving suggestions to consider:

Classic Basmati Rice: The fragrant grains absorb the rich sauce beautifully. Try cooking the rice with a pinch of saffron or cardamom for added flavor.
Warm Naan Bread: Perfect for scooping up that creamy sauce, naan not only enhances the experience but also brings a traditional touch to your dinner.
Cucumber Raita: A refreshing yogurt and cucumber side can balance the spices beautifully. It’s a simple way to add a cool contrast to the dish.
Steamed Veggies: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans can provide a lovely crunch and color on your plate, rounding out the meal nicely.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to suit your palate! Want more inspiration? Explore creative sides like Indian-spiced roasted potatoes or even a zesty salad to brighten your plate.

Time Breakdown for Easy Butter Chicken

Preparation Time
Getting everything ready for your easy butter chicken takes just 5 minutes. Chop the onions, mince the garlic, and gather your spices. Quick and simple!

Cooking Time
The actual cooking occurs in 15 minutes. This includes sautéing, simmering, and creating that delicious, creamy sauce we all love.

Total Time
In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy a scrumptious meal that's both satisfying and full of flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or spontaneous gatherings!

For more tips on how to perfect your butter chicken, check out this guide on building layers of flavor in Indian cooking.

Nutritional Facts for Easy Butter Chicken

When you're whipping up easy butter chicken, it's essential to know what you're serving on your plate. Let's break down the nutrition for a serving of this delectable dish.

Calories

Each serving of this easy butter chicken contains about 491 calories. It’s a satisfying meal that brings you comfort without compromising your calorie goals.

Protein

This recipe packs a protein punch with 39 grams per serving, primarily from the chicken. Perfect for fueling your day and keeping you feeling full longer!

Carbohydrates

Keeping things low, this dish offers around 9 grams of carbohydrates. The minimal carbs make it an excellent choice for those watching their intake while still enjoying a rich and creamy dish.

For more insights on healthy eating, check out this article from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Enjoy your culinary adventure with easy butter chicken, knowing it’s both delicious and balanced!

FAQs about Easy Butter Chicken

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on chicken, you can easily substitute it with turkey or even beef for a different flavor profile. Both options will still deliver a deliciously creamy sauce. If you opt for beef, just remember to adjust the cooking time, as it may take a bit longer to become tender.

How can I make it healthier?

Looking to lighten up your easy butter chicken? Consider these tips:

Use less heavy cream or substitute it with half & half or Greek yogurt.
Opt for skinless chicken breast, which helps reduce fat content.
Increase the vegetable content by adding spinach or bell peppers late in the cooking process for extra nutrients.

What sides pair well with butter chicken?

To complement your easy butter chicken, serve it over fluffy basmati rice or alongside warm naan for dipping. For a refreshing touch, consider a simple cucumber raita or a light salad featuring cherry tomatoes and cucumbers. These sides balance the richness of the dish and add a refreshing crunch.

For more tasty accompaniments, check out this resource on Indian side dishes.

Conclusion on Easy Butter Chicken

In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a delicious batch of easy butter chicken that will impress your friends and satisfy your taste buds. It's a quick and creamy dish that pairs perfectly with rice or naan. Give it a try, and you might just find it a new weeknight favorite!